RMSA Yearly Dance Photos

2025-2026 Dance pictures have been fit into the studio schedule by RMSA for families to have the opportunity to get professional photos of their dancer(s) in their spring performance costumes.

  • All photos, rights to photos, information, process, costs/profits are the photographers. RMSA does not receive any compensation from the photos.

2025-2026 dance photos will be taken at The Cody Theatre; 1171 Sheridan Ave. Please enter through the main front entrance doors.

  • 2025/2026 year picture days are broken up into several days.  Please refer to class calendars in the app to see what time your dancer(s) are scheduled. Take note of any calendar "details" for detailed information that maybe listed specifically for dance styles.

Below are a few things to know and understand so picture day will run smoothly and on time. Please read through carefully as this will answer most questions you will have.

  • Costumes will be handed out at the studio sometime BEFORE costume day to all accounts that are paid up.
  • Picture order forms will be available at your picture day to fill out.
      • Must have ONE picture order form for EVERY costume that you want for pictures.
      • If taking pictures with more than one costume; have one order form completely filled out with contact info etc. Additional forms only need dancers name and order request.
  • BEFORE PICTURE DAY: HANG CUSTUMES & take care of TULLED costumes with enough time to allow them to air dry! Scrunched costume in pictures (or on stage) do not look nice.

Costumes with the "fluffy tulle" skirt need to be prepped before the dance pictures and/or performance so they fluff out and lay nice. Simply soak JUST THE TULLE part of the skirt in HOT water for 20 seconds, shake out, hang upside-down, and relay the layers so they lay nice. Let hang upside down till dry in a safe place. NOTE: During this process, do your best to keep the other parts of the costume dry so they don't get water marks.

  • Have ALL pieces/accessories/dance shoes of each costume; including the correct color of tights and shoes. This is listed in Important Parent Spring Performance Info Page; posted in the lobby and The Dance Store.
    • Bring the tights that will be worn for performances; tights without holes, runs, pelts, and discoloration. If you forget, Mel can edit holes, stains, and runs in the tights for a fee of $50 per hour at your request.
  • We cannot wait for you to fetch missing items. We must stay on schedule to keep things running smoothly.
    • Come up with a system to keep all your child's dance items together and that your child can work with; this is helpful for dress rehearsals & performances as well.
      • Keep items neatly (not scrunched) in a labeled bin like a laundry basket
      • Put ALL costumes on different hangers and use something like a labeled garment bag.
      • Put accessories & hair pieces in a zip lock baggie WITH your child name on it and hook it into the hangers that go with the costume.
        • Some hair pieces can be clipped onto the costumes directly so they aren't lost. Clipping them to the neck is best so they are easily found.
      • AS ALWAYS LABEL EVERYTHING YOU CAN; ESPECIALLY SHOES! To label costumes, feel free to write names on freezer tape and stick on the inside collar area or tag of costumes (as long as we can't see it when they have the costumes on)
      • Make sure you leave with EVERYTHING you brought. The Cody Theatre is not open on a regular basis for you to come pick up lost items.
  • HAIR: ballet females must have all hair up in a neat & secure ballet bun (no bangs or baby hairs) and Jazz/Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary in a mid-high ponytail (no bangs or baby hairs); just like it is listed in the performance costumes attire spread sheet on the Important Parent Spring Performance Info Page.
    • If you need to use hair clips, etc. make sure they are the color of the hair and blend in so they are not seen.
    • For easy change between pony's & ballet buns; make your buns with a pony and simply undo or do up the bun part.
    • There are many ways to make a bun. Feel free to google it. For those with THIN hair, here are 2 different ways on how to make a ballerina bun:
  • DO NOT WEAR costumes or dance shoes to the photo session.
    • Dancers should arrive to photo day already wearing a body liner for quick costume changes between shots.
      • Body Liners are worn under street clothes or costumes but should not be worn by themselves with nothing over them as dancers can appear like they are walking around naked.
    • Veteran Tip for dancers with multiple costumes: have your female dancer put on their body liner FIRST and THEN tights as most academy dancers WILL have to change tights depending on the costume/dance styles.
  • Tap and jazz are the same costume, only one group picture will be taken with everyone in tap AND jazz; shoe preference for the group picture is up to the individual as there might be dancers who only do one of the two styles.
    • If choosing to take individual pictures, individual dancers can choose either jazz or tap shoe.
  • Have your child practice a pose to do for tap/ jazz/ballet/hip hop, etc. prior to picture day that is within their skill level. Some kids get stuck in a rut and do the same or similar pose for all.
    • Only Academy 5+ can try up to 3 jumping/stunts. After 3 we need to move on.
  • ORDERING DEAILS:
    • A package must be ordered prior to ordering from the add-ons. You may create your own package by ordering TWO add-ons. Class photos are NOT an add-on that qualifies for this.
    • You may only order a class photo, but we still need an order form for each class picture.
    • There is a digital file option for individual photos. Please legibly write your email on the form if you choose this option as the file and release arrive via email. Class photos are available in print only.
    • Cash, Check, and Venmo will be accepted.
      • You may pay for multiple children and orders together, but to avoid confusion all forms need to be completed for staff to sign off when paying for the first dancer.
    • Academy 3b and younger MUST have a parent/guardian/adult helper present to help with costume changes and hair. 
      • If the parent/guardian will not be accompanying the dancer, be sure to email or call Melissa so she can get you order forms to sign in advance.
    • We try to have all photo packages delivered to dress rehearsals. If you are not at dress rehearsal and photos are ready, they will be left at RMSA for you to grab during their hours.

Any additional questions contact Mel the photographer thompsonportraitstudios@gmail.com or 307-250-1192

I look forward to photographing your children.

Melissa Thompson